One-Node Culm Cutting Propagation of Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) using Intermittent Mist Clonal Propagator

Floresca and Sayo (ISU) developed a technology for the propagation of giant bamboo by using intermittent mist clonal propagator.

Findings

• The mist provides a cooling effect and the cyclic (intermittent) misting provides a controlled environment of low temperature and high humidity; which favors root and shoot development of cuttings.
• Survival rate for one-node culm cuttings reached up to 80% compared to only 20% for branch cuttings.
• Under a glass house (or shed), propagating beds (1 mx 8 m, uncovered) filled with pure sand medium were used. One-node culm cuttings of D. asper were prepared and dipped into root hormone solution.
• Each propagating bed was equally divided to accommodate the cuttings. Automatice misting cycle was set at 10 seconds on and 5 minutes off duration.
• After 60 days, the seedlings were placed in polyethelyne pots filled with ordinary soil and then hardened in the nursery from 0.5 to 1 month.
• Propagation of 300 pieces one-node culm cuttings for 2 - 2.5 months will incur Php6,100 and Php9,000 for inputs and labor, respectively. Sales of 250 pieces of giant bamboo seedlings (assuming 80% survival rate) will have a gross income of P25,000.

Source: PCARRD, 2003. Highlights 2002, Los Baños, Laguna, 214p.